How to Laminate Large Composite (Fibreglass) Moulds

[@ASCENDANTGAMERSAGE]

I understand this is marketing, but it's marketing done well. I'm voluntarily watching an ad and enjoying it a lot. Great job y'all.

[@easycompositestv]

Thanks Sage, we are indeed a business and we do need to sell our products in order to pay for making this content but we do our best to make it as broadly relevant as we can and I think we get the balance right. Thanks for watching.

[@kalujny]

To be fair its at least half and half instructional video / ad. And the tutorial part is excellent.

[@crowdozer]

carbon fiber has always been a bit of a "dark art" to me, I assumed it was super complex wizardry that the ordinary person couldn't do, but you guys have completely cleared that illusion and these are some of the best informational videos (of any craft) on youtube. I don't live in the uk but if I end up ordering materials to try it out myself, definitely going to go through you guys 😄

[@easycompositestv]

Thank you, appreciate your comments and your future support :)

[@CanineDefenseTechnologies]

I was hosnetly afraid of getting into composites. Your company's presentation and knowledge really helped me to get started and I'm having a lot of fun! I really like the thorough and clear explanation!!

[@easycompositestv]

Thank you very much; it's fantastic to hear that we may have helped get you started in composites and that you're enjoying it :)

[@crazytrutas]

I second that. thank you for the uploads.

[@cerb345]

likewise, although im getting shivers from that loose strand hell during the layup of the 450g mat. clean up looks awful

[@snorttroll4379]

@@easycompositestv is the special resin for the gelcoat important so I can use polyester and epoxy?

[@adambournes8356]

The best fiberglass layup videos on the internet. Great detail. Lots of "tribal knowledge".

[@lattitude01]

Not going to lie, i jumped into this video randomly via youtube's chain of random videos, skipped to about half way in and i spent nearly the entire video from then on under the impression you were making a custom bathtub xD. Lovely work.

[@freedomtowander]

Same!

[@KirtFitzpatrick]

That mold looks amazing. This mold making process so far has kinda blown my mind. Excellent work.

[@ScrewDrvr]

Your videos never show in my sub page...always find them in recommended. Love the videos, keep'em coming.

[@easycompositestv]

Not sure why that would be but glad you found and and you’re enjoying them!

[@captivenut4122]

Same for me here.

[@richardlarnach8678]

Simply the best video tutorials on this subject matter.

[@easycompositestv]

Thank you Richard, that's very kind.

[@AHustleIsLikeASideOfFries]

Yes, I'll second this. Very good production values, seemingly enough editing, well spoken yet approachable dialog, just overall excellent.

[@krisjclark]

I hope these videos are good advertising for you, but they are also great entertainment! I'm looking forward to seeing the finished product. Unfortunately I can't buy much from you because the chemicals couldn't be shipped to Canada, but I would if I could. Your videos really helped me start and finish a project that looks amazing and it was only my first try!

[@easycompositestv]

Thanks Xavier, that’s good enough for us. We do want to encourage and support composites enthusiasts, even if it’s not easy for you to buy for us. We’re also hoping to open a branch in North America fairly soon.

[@neil2153]

The mold releasing out is the most satisfying thing to see after so much work. And the mirror polish, ooh la la.

[@easycompositestv]

Hi Tarneil, thanks. Yep, successful demoulding is one of the best parts of composites :)

[@EnglishLaw]

This channel is amazing. Exactly what I was looking for (for some time).

[@Jedermeister]

Alternative Title: How to construct a stylish, modern and lightweight black bathtub with composite materials

[@easycompositestv]

Don't forget heavily impact resistant bathtub!

[@RCONSTRUCT]

Everyone is a comedian in the comments section

[@chuckeynewkirk199]

Haha form fits function, Eskimos eat your heart out!!!

[@dennisyoung4631]

That isn’t much of a joke, as I *have* thought about making a “camping bathtub” of fiberglass. It would be perhaps four inches /10 cm deep, about 2 feet /60 cm wide, and 3 feet /90 cm long.

[@cvspvr]

@@dennisyoung4631 what the fuck is the purpose of that?

[@PaperRocket1886]

This video series beats all the one handy, shaky cam, in the basement, slapped together, filmed in 2001 mold projects tutorials I’ve seen. Pluuuus we see what groups of products work really well together.

[@easycompositestv]

Thanks, glad to hear we’re hitting the mark 👍

[@muumarlin1731]

Could watch these all day - amazing tutorials!!

[@easycompositestv]

We appreciate the kind comment! Thanks for watching!

[@SeanOBryanZZ]

Can't wait to see this thing in use! Definitely need a before and after on the gear

[@SRFirefox]

Both informative and an unobtrusive advertisement for your services and products. Well made

[@easycompositestv]

Thank you, that’s the balance we try to strike 😀

[@timpickering253]

Love these video tutorials, I learn something new every time. Cheers Easy Composites.

[@easycompositestv]

Thank you Tim

[@ww07ff]

Can't wait to watch the next episode! Best regards from Brazil!

[@FerrellMcCollough]

Great job. For those that have the correct working space it's best to use a gel-coat cup gun to apply the tooling gel coat. The thickness will be uniform and to spec. This will avoid crazing in thick areas of gel and ghosting of fiberglass in thin areas after many parts are made. After gel-coat and you're ready for lay up, always put your resin down first then your mat on top, it helps eliminate air bubbles and is faster - essential for a "hot" pot of resin (meaning high % of MEKP).

[@chuckeynewkirk199]

For sure one of the best videos for educational content!!!!

[@easycompositestv]

Thanks Chuckey! :)

[@Alex-vz2jz]

Instructions unclear, i ended up with a bathtub. Jokes aside i love how simple you explain these types of video. Very useful thank you.

[@easycompositestv]

And a very strong bath tub it was, no doubt! Glad you find the videos useful.

[@jeanfrancoispoivre4438]

Encore merci a l'équipe easy composites 😉😄

[@짱서여니-z4s]

Hello i'm korean I have a question. What is the yellow color that comes out at 4:11 ? I wonder what ingredients are in it. Can I know what it is? I need the yellow one. Answer me, please.

[@easycompositestv]

It's called filleting wax. You can find our more about it, or place an order, here: www.easycomposites.co.uk/soft-yellow-filleting-filling-wax

[@짱서여니-z4s]

@@easycompositestv Thank you ㅠㅠ ❤️👍👍👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@omegaelixir]

So I started playing with carbon after seeing these vids. Ever since I started doing it, I got a lot left over fiberglass moulds. PLEASE MAKE A VIDEO ON RECYCLING. Thanks

[@tacticaltot8754]

Fiberglass is often used for it's longetivoty and durability. Impregnated fiber cannot be un-impregnated and recycled

[@deltamangr6247]

Your company and your tutorials are one of the best there is. Do you have a reseller in Greece please?

[@easycompositestv]

Thank you. We do have one reseller in Greece called A.Andreou ; they carry a selective range of our products.

[@XB10001]

Very nice workmanship.

[@easycompositestv]

Thank you very much!

[@yassinchbani4267]

Amazing work friends. Thank you for sharing.

[@easycompositestv]

Thanks Yassin, appreciated.

[@brett1nita]

Excellent and accurate tutorial. We rarely use the tooling gelcoat and tooling resin because of the cost here. I wish you had a way to supply in South Africa!

[@easycompositestv]

Thanks for your comment Brett, glad you're enjoying the tutorials. It's certainly not easy or cheap for us to ship resin products to South Africa but who knows, maybe in the future we'll have an outlet closer to you.

[@ricardo_sarmiento]

you guys make it so easy to understand !!

[@easycompositestv]

Thanks Ricardo, we do our best, it's good to get your feedback.

[@bw3996]

Suddenly tempted to mould a 32 ft boat hull in my garage

[@easycompositestv]

That’s the spirit!

[@คนหัวกรวย-ฬ4ภ]

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for making the clip. I have been waiting for a long time. Thank you very much. I have gained more knowledge.

[@easycompositestv]

You're very welcome

[@ja_]

I'm sure there's an obvious/easy answer and/or I missed something, but why isn't the pattern/plug used as the mould for the final part instead of making a mould from it?

[@easycompositestv]

You would end up with a negative of the original part if you did that.

[@dickdanger7867]

I used think the same way, tried making molds first. It produced poor results, taking the shortcut. Making a plug and mold is a pain in the ass. It's time consuming and it ain't cheap. I've learned the hard way that the end result is worth the effort.

[@emrage]

@@dickdanger7867 I don’t understand what you’re saying. The same layer that’s on pattern is also on the mould. So should be the same pulling products off a pattern. Am I missing something?

[@MichaelWhiteRacing]

Fantastic insightful video. Ive just bought one of you mould kits and materials to have a go at making some simple carbon parts for my race car. Id like to use originals to take a mould from but they've been painted quite poorly in rattle can satin black. Can you recommend something i can treat the parts with to allow the moulds to release once made? Thanks

[@easycompositestv]

Painted surfaces, especially 'rattle can' paints are a nightmare to work with as the solvents in the gelcoats often attack the paints and the solventing from the paint can push away the release agents creating a perfect storm for the parts not coming out of the mould. For such a part, it is often worth vinyl wrapping the part first before applying a generous coat amount of release agent to the vinyl thus guaranteeing that the mould comes away from the vinyl and the vinyl can be removed from the original part whilst creating a physical barrier between the two.

[@MichaelWhiteRacing]

@@easycompositestv Perfect thank you. I was going to ask if vinyl wrapping was a possibility.

[@pietzeekoe]

Looks like a nice bathtub now.

[@easycompositestv]

Yep, this thing pretty much looks like a bathtub from start to finish!

[@janatlmb2770]

my thoughts exactly? no I know how composite baths are made, at least the moulds for them :DDD.

[@Runoratsu]

@@easycompositestv you shoulda just used one as your mould then, much cheaper and less labour intensive! 🤪

[@Mchacz8008]

This is one of the most popular methods of making bathtubes btw

[@philippe-lebel]

Actually it's an "anti-bathtub" to keep the water outside (solid water by the way) ;)

[@suhail8554]

If I want to make Bicycle Handlebars using carbon fibre/epoxy, using Resin Transfer Moulding. What are benefits of using my selected composite material and process for the part? What are the main difficulties for the design and the manufacturing? Thank you in advance

[@easycompositestv]

This sounds like a question off a paper! There’s a bit more than I can cover in a KZbin comment but answers to all of those questions can be found in various other tutorials we’ve done.

[@suhail8554]

@@easycompositestv thank you for your reply. I just want to know if resin transfer moulding is the best process of riser handlebars or not ? Thank you again.

[@johnnyalberto9683]

@@easycompositestv hello please what is the name of the tool or where can I get it with the one that makes the corners on the plastic

[@easycompositestv]

@@johnnyalberto9683 I'm not sure what you mean, could you let me know the timestamp on the video and I will let you know.

[@scutohugo920]

Is it possible to go with classic polyester resin for the second layer of fiberglass ?

[@easycompositestv]

You could but you would be needing to deal with the classic problem of traditional polyester resin layups, which is the shrinkage. The best way to deal with polyester shrinkage is to lay us one layer at a time and allow it to cure fully between plies. By building up the layers slowly, over a number of days, the effects of shrinkage are significantly reduced. The advantage to Uni-Mould is that its shrinkage is negligible, allowing what should take four or more days to be done in one for the same result.

[@CmwSpeedrunUk]

Really enjoy watching your videos

[@easycompositestv]

Thank you, we enjoy making them.

[@V8VRUte]

And after all the sleds have been made, the mold looks like it would make a fantastic bath tub...

[@snorttroll4379]

do you have a video about making reusable vacuum bags? also what if one just uses a lot of wax layers, will the part release easily then?

[@easycompositestv]

We do not have any videos on that. The vacuum storage bags are often reusable for simple wet lay vacuum bagging work. Durability is always an issue as it only takes a small piece of fibre to pierce a bag and ruin it.

[@easycompositestv]

We don't have a video showing reusable bags no. You can build up a good release surface using layers of a wax release agent yes.

[@michaelwolff4152]

Where is the 3rd video? I love your content thank you!

[@easycompositestv]

The next video is here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYGpdXWKaZaGe7c

[@michaelwolff4152]

@@easycompositestv I was referring to the 3rd video of these sleds, showing the mould being used. However I found this video on your website!

[@easycompositestv]

@@michaelwolff4152 the final part in the series where we use the mould to make the sled is here kzbin.info/www/bejne/p36zhHyBm9CXqrM

[@marcopitteri]

would it be possible to use the uni-mould system to produce moulds for prepreg lamination, while being sure to use prepregs who cure at temperatures lower than 90°C?

[@easycompositestv]

It very much depends on the pre-preg system being compatible with a vinylester resin. We used to have materials suitable for that until discontinued. Certainly one to test to ensure you get good results.

[@marcopitteri]

@@easycompositestv thank you for your response, we'll make a test first for sure. I'm confident there won't be compatibility issues, just worried for the temperature being kept high for 10+ hours

[@cbbbbbbbbbbbb]

Do you ever find the need to vacuum out the mixed resin before applying, especially in these large quantity batches? It seems like it works well enough without a vacuum being used.

[@easycompositestv]

Careful mixing means it is not an issue. Also the resin is not especially thick so brushing on and careful rolling of the laminate is all that is needed to remove trapped air.

[@genekrafft948]

Use a long nap paint roller for wet out. Much faster, more even resin distribution and will do a lot air removal as you wet the part.

[@toddlehman928]

I also use the nap roller to soak up excess resin on my skin coat and subsequent coats, although ideally I would be using a chopper gun that I would have dialed in to 36% glass

[@Klaster_1]

Do you plan to make a video on cleanup, disposal and preparation? I suspect this takes significantly more time than the fun part.

[@easycompositestv]

Maybe we’ll do some more general background videos and could include some more things like this. Thanks for the comment.

[@stevenr8606]

⬆️ Maybe means NO!

[@bobbyrollins5911]

Do you guys have any Videos where you explain how the overlay carbon fiber edges, i m trying to make a carbon steering wheel but i don't get the cut as clean as i want it to be and it's is clearly noticable.

[@mvkboats9879]

what is this kind of release agent ? never heard of it and curious to buy and use it; can you tell me more about it please ? i have been using carnauba wax to release new made molds until now

[@easycompositestv]

Hi Kevin, it’s Easy-Lease; it’s been one of our flagship products for years. It’s a ‘semi permanent chemical release agent’; a clear solvent that you just wipe onto the panel. Chemical release agents have pretty much replaced wax and PVA in most situations. You can find out more about Easy-Lease on our website.

[@mvkboats9879]

i thought only injection and infusion or prepreg processes could use them, for making a mold, what is better and why ? not in term of time but efficieny; thanks

[@easycompositestv]

Hi Kevin, well, time is efficiency, is it not? Maybe you mean more like in terms of effectiveness? Applied properly and used in the correct situations, both CRA or MRW will both give an effective and reliable release. CRA is generally quicker to apply and has the advantage that it’s not affected by heat to if the mould layup does get hot during cure, like UniMould does, then the release will still be reliable.

[@sedatminer4489]

quick tips 12:07 you can drop some water it will pop the mold was easier

[@easycompositestv]

We’ve only ever used water when PVA has been used as a release agent but it’s an interesting suggestion, thanks.

[@hoanghaivu4292]

@4:20 What is yellow putty? Thanks

[@easycompositestv]

Hi, that would be our filleting wax www.easycomposites.co.uk/soft-yellow-filleting-filling-wax

[@patronista]

Impressive video, thank you very much for all that you help us professionals and those of us who started in composite materials, I am currently finishing my pattern, then I will buy the unimold system to make the mold.

[@easycompositestv]

Great to hear Ernesto 👍 we look forward to hearing how you get in.

[@hrivcxz]

Sir, some time after painting the first layer ( gel coat or resing + powder), some areas poping up between resin layer and mould, which means forming air pockets, what is the reason

[@easycompositestv]

It could be a number of issues such as too warm conditions or even pre-release of the gel from the mould surface.

[@ecomarinebd]

Hi, I was wondering if I could take a large, say a bed-size piece of EPS block and laminate with epoxy to make pontoon floats for making jetties. Possible?

[@easycompositestv]

I suspect for durability reasons you would need a skin with GRP or other laminate to give it suitable strength compared to resin alone.

[@mohdjaved6077]

I want this molding Fiber glass molding Experience ..etc

[@MustaqimMuhammadHatta]

terimakasih sudah berbagi... 🙏🏻

[@wylieecoyote]

Great job! I saw software that allowed creating a reverse image of the pattern. This can be carved and used to create the mold with fewer steps, saving time and money. Are there constraints for using that system or are you unfamiliar with it? Thanks for such a detailed tutorial showing the proper use of your products.

[@easycompositestv]

Sometimes for low volume or one off mouldings, that method can be used to carve a mould via CNC out of a high density model board directly. You can then use our S120 board sealer to make a sealed surface suitable to work from. Generally for longer production runs or for large moulds such as this, the model boards are not so practical or durable for use in that way.

[@shnnenluo9876]

You just did a remarkable job!

[@easycompositestv]

Thanks Shnnen :)

[@branchsnapper2228]

I was wondering if there is any particular product for gluing perspex to fibreglass? Thanks, subd.

[@easycompositestv]

Perspex can be bonded reasonably well with most epoxy structural adhesives.

[@branchsnapper2228]

@@easycompositestv thanks

[@ryanhines719]

Love these videos. Def looking forward to buying some kits and materials to try making some carbon fiber parts for my car!

[@easycompositestv]

Great stuff Ryan, look forward to working with you 👍

[@TurbineResearch]

Looks amazing ❤ beautiful car

[@adithya_k93]

Great video as usual, So vinyl ester gelcoat is better than polyester gelcoat for epoxy infusion?

[@easycompositestv]

Yes, 100%. It’s a small change that makes a big difference. We never recommend polyester gelcoats when making moulds for epoxy components.

[@albertnoven3305]

If i have a flat pattern that can easily be made with Polypropylene Sheet, is it possible to make a mould by laminating fiberglass on it?

[@easycompositestv]

Yes you can laminate directly onto polypropylene. Glossy polyprop is great as no release agent is normally needed as resins do not naturally stick to it.

[@matrix7730]

hi,are you sending your products outside the country or just in UK? in my case Sweden

[@easycompositestv]

We ship all over the world

[@dnomyarnostaw]

Does that Vinylester coat smell like burning plastic chairs? The only VE job I tried stunk like hell.

[@easycompositestv]

Polyester and vinylester have a strong odour due to styrene

[@dnomyarnostaw]

@@easycompositestv . Have done some Poly work ok, butvrhe Vynil made me almost puke. I would need some good masking system.

[@tacticalant3841]

So you mention tearing the edges of chop strand where they will butt, but you only did it in some of the joints?

[@easycompositestv]

It's not hyper critical; when you tear the edge of chopped strand you're really just helping along with what you do with the brush anyway. As you 'stipple' the chopped strand mat it will break down, allowing you to feather the edge just with the brush. It's all preference and - at the end of the day - it's just a mould in this case.

[@j.danaclark89]

Why do you guys brush on the tooling gel, and not spray it?

[@easycompositestv]

It is designed as a brush applied gel.

[@j.danaclark89]

@@easycompositestv I work in a production shop and the gels we work with would be full of porosity if we tried that. What is the difference that allows a brush on gel to not be porous?

[@easycompositestv]

Honestly, it’s harder to imagine what would be going on with a gelcoat that would be full of porosity if brushed, rather than explain why UniMould Tooling Gelcoat isn’t full of porosity if brushed. In industry, gelcoats are sprayed more often than they are brushed, especially tooling gelcoats which tend to go on pretty thick. Maybe there’s something specific to the gel you’re using, but anyway, I can say for sure you wouldn’t have any porosity issues brush applying this gelcoat.

[@williamhendricks2633]

What fiberglass would you recommend for holding pressure? Say 60-100psi

[@easycompositestv]

Entirely depends on the application and would need careful design and construction to make sure it is safe.

[@TruongTran-zl3jx]

Hi, i have a question. How to recycle glass MAT when preform?? And if the final product have defects how to deal with it? Thank you.

[@easycompositestv]

Cured composites are currently very difficult to recycle. Gel coat defects are quite easily repaired with fresh gel.

[@eleazarruiz6047]

Gracias por estos tutorial nos perfeccionamas gracias

[@easycompositestv]

Thank you for commenting Eleazar, glad you enjoyed the video!

[@andrey.p]

Thank you, Paul and the team involved, apart from an excellent and engaging presentation, everytime I watch your tutorials you leave me with an exciting feeling of being able to do it myself. I hope I will realise some of my ideas sometime :) Wanted to ask for long time, is it viable to straight 3d print a mould from Polyethylene?

[@easycompositestv]

Thanks for your comments Andrew, we hope you realise those ideas too. 3D printing a mould is possible but there’s lots of considerations. We’re planning a comprehensive series of video tutorials on 3D printing for composites at the moment. It will be out next set of tutorials.

[@WickedMachineWorks]

That mould would make a great bath tub afterwards! :D

[@richardfrost1026]

Hi I'm doing a wooden mold could you tell me the best way to do a mold from it pleas

[@easycompositestv]

Hi Richard, we do not recommend a wood mould for anything but the most basic wet lay up processes. Even then extensive work will be needed to ensure the surface is not porous and hence the resin will not soak in.

[@christippins7354]

Greatly explained 👍

[@easycompositestv]

Thanks Chris :)

[@stevesloan6775]

How good did that plug come out of that mould..!!! 🇦🇺🤜🏼🤛🏼🍀🤓

[@Jules262]

Thank you for this incredible video! Is there by chance a variation of this fibreglass that can remain transparent after lamination?

[@easycompositestv]

Most thin fibreglass fabrics will remain semi translucent depending on number of layers.

[@betarr80]

stunning tutorial. If i have a lot of smaller parts like 5/10 small and medium mould for carpon parts is more cost effective to make all the mould with this method of swich to epoxy mould kit?

[@fabricebouillaud]

an excellent video .Great job !!

[@easycompositestv]

Thanks Fabrice, appreciated.

[@tonybeatbutcher]

Some heavy professionalism !!

[@easycompositestv]

Thanks Tony :)

[@sivaranjans2452]

Would it be ok to give it a jet of air from a compressor after putting the wedge in during demoulding?

[@easycompositestv]

It certainly shouldn't do any harm, I guess it's more a question of whether it's necessary. This particular part released from the mould perfectly but if something was being more stubborn then compressed air can be used to help things along (particularly if you're just struggling against a static or vacuum lock).

[@NileshKrithik]

What is the Yellow color coating done at the last .. ?

[@easycompositestv]

That is the Uni-Mould Tooling Resin

[@janatlmb2770]

Yet another great video, I am really keen to laminate st, but I do not know what :D I am looking forward to seeing the next episode of this sleigh.

[@easycompositestv]

Hi Jan, thanks for the comments. Glad you're enjoying the series. I'm sure you'll think of a suitable project soon enough!

[@pranavbhor5477]

If I,m directly making a mould what clearence should I leave for all the layers of GF you specified and what should be the Fiber to resin ratio while applying GF layers also I ive in a different country so instead of uni-mould tooling resin can I use polyester resin mixed with chalk powder/any other putty. Please reply.

[@johnelliott4521]

MEK PRODUCTS REQUIRE RESPIRATOR, do you have an outlet in the states.

[@easycompositestv]

Hi John, there might be some confusion over MEK and MEKP. MEK is methyl ethyl ketone, it's a volatile solvent (similar to acetone). MEKP is methyl ethyl ketone *peroxide*; it's an organic peroxide, a strong oxidiser. There's no MEK in this video. Whilst there's lots of reasons to treat MEKP very carefully, respiratory irritation by inhalation in normal use and concentrations isn't particularly high on that list. Correct PPE for working with MEKP and the resins we use would be a vapour mask where ventilation is inadequate. Generally we do wear respirators (as can be seen at numerous points in the video) but when we're working in a booth, as here, then we have a full air exchanger so ventilation is not an issue. As for an outlet in the US, no, not yet, but this is something we're actively working on!

[@johnelliott4521]

@@easycompositestv SDS says well ventilated area, however long term exposure is not good for humans, fumes have a narcotic effect. If inside still safer to use respirator. Not being critical, just cautious.

[@Richard-do1hb]

15 min of work for sprayup. 😉 Talon Internal mix with VRC-1000 chopper motor, it does wonders. I run an MVP MiniPro 22:1 for gelcoat and 11:1 for resin. Blades set at ~15mm fibers for skin coats and ~30mm fibers for bulking. Even solo, I can process 3 to 5 m2/hr with a very low incidence of voids, especially when coupled with a high quality radius putty. Cheers from South Carolina, USA!

[@alihho]

what a relaxing sound 12:25

[@daytonjacobson55]

Is there a reason your not using prepreg carbon? I have been making parts using prepreg from a company in the USA but not super happy with the outcome. So this winter I'm ordering everything I need to finish a front lip for a Sema show truck. I debating on prepreg or the infusion method.

[@easycompositestv]

Spoiler alert, for this project we won’t be using carbon fibre at all but that will become more clear after the next video. As for you project, both prepreg or resin infused carbon would be totally legit; your main consideration between the two would be the mould (tool) would cost more for prepreg because it needs to be high temperature, and also you would need an over large enough to load the front lip into to cure it. Contact out tech dept. directly if you’d like to discuss the differences in more detail. We’re shipping a LOT of prepreg to customers in the States these days!

[@daytonjacobson55]

@@easycompositestv thank you! I do have a large oven since I own a powdercoating business. Also making the high temp molds was a very big pain, hated the high temp resin. (again not your brand) very excited to use your products!

[@tkzsfen]

Watching this video without a gas mask subconsciously makes me cough and inhale all the fiber glass and epoxy...that are not in my room :D Funny, how seeing someone do something brings your experience with it on a physical level.

[@j.p.279]

marvelous, what is the difference between the first resina transparent and the white one?? here only can get the transparent... thanks guys, you're amazing

[@easycompositestv]

The tooling resin (the cream one) is packed with fillers which stop it from shrinking. This allows all layers to be laminated in one go without shrinking or distortion. There’s a full description of this and other aspects of the UniMould system on the accompanying project page on our website. Link in the description.

[@laidlawconstruction9548]

How many times could this mould be used before the quality of the final product is compromised? Do you have any solutions for mass production?

[@easycompositestv]

There’s really no limit, depending on you you treat the mould. We had Uni-Mould moulds which had made a few hundred parts and needed nothing more than the occasional re-polish. In terms of high volume production, you’d probably consider RTM.

[@laidlawconstruction9548]

@@easycompositestv thank you for your response

[@Zoltansfire]

Can I make a mold without using coupling coat, and instead just go straight to tooling resin?

[@easycompositestv]

If you're not intending to use the mould at any elevated temperatures then you would probably be okay to forgo the coupling coat although the overall bond to the gelcoat wouldn't be as good. We'd still recommend the lighter weight glassfibre though against the back of the gelcoat.

[@chuarmer9796]

Hi, Ive been watching your videos and it's really a big help I was thinking of the same project. Im from the Philppines and this practice is not easily known to people here especially where to buy the products and specific properties of it. In your video after the gelcoat You used the the coupling coat which is not available or known here in the PH and as you commented I can go directly to laminating resin but the bond to the gelcoat might not be the best, what Can I do instead? @@easycompositestv

[@RockitFX1]

That's a pretty sweet bathtub!

[@yami6567]

why you don't use the gelcoat with compressor like when you paint with compressor

[@easycompositestv]

The tooling gel is not designed for spraying. Also on a mould this kind of size, there is minimal advantage to be gained by spraying the gelcoat.

[@yami6567]

Is there a specific type of gelcoat that can be used with the compressor !?

[@easycompositestv]

@@yami6567 Not really a tooling gel unfortunately but it is quick and easily applied by brush or roller anyway.

[@Fer-z6e]

Really nice. I woul like to do it. Like you

[@easycompositestv]

If you do try, please let us know how it goes or if you need any advice!

[@fredblair4307]

are these resins available in the USA

[@easycompositestv]

We can ship most resin products from the UK via FedEx.

[@phutrungtien7642]

When we knock on inside of product we get Cracking on surface of gelcoat? How we improve impact strength of product

[@easycompositestv]

Hi Phu; if this question relates specifically to products you've purchased from us then please send your question to [e-mail] where we can work through your exact process and identify the problem. If it's a more general question then it sounds like your laminate is probably too thin for the stress you're putting on it. If it's a mould you're making then I'd certainly suggest increasing the thickness of the laminate or, if it's a component and you can't afford the extra weight of increased thickness then you could try swapping from chopped strand mat to a woven cloth.

[@nikhilnair5094]

Do you supply your products to India?

[@easycompositestv]

Hi Nikhil, I'm afraid we can't ship smaller quantities of dangerous goods to customers in India. We do have some larger industrial customers where we arrange larger palletised shipments but for smaller quantities we are unable to ship hazardous products.

[@akshaygp7967]

do you have any online courses for beginners?

[@easycompositestv]

Nothing specifically structured as an online beginners’ course but if you work through our back-catalogue of tutorials then you’ll know an awful lot about practical composites. Visit the learning area on our website to see all our content in a searchable form.

[@jonnysz03]

Wowsers guys! You've really knocked it out the park with these videos. Well played. I have a question about the Uni Mould system: I'm about to delve into the world of fibreglass having previously used solid, filled polyester as my primary weapon of choice to fabricate climbing holds. I'm now fabricating much larger holds that would benefit from a fibreglass construction. Typically, I'd use silicone moulds to pour into and was planning on using a relatively thin silicone mould with a fibreglass shell but having seen the Uni Mould system, I'd be more inclined to use this. However, given that the climbing holds require a textured surface, would the Uni Mould struggle to de-mould from this? If so, do you think the silicone layer/ fibreglass layer would be more beneficial? Many thanks and keep up the amazing work, Jonny.

[@easycompositestv]

A highly textured surface would be a challenge to demould on a conventional mould. The advantage of silicone is its natural release properties and the fact it can be peeled and flexed. I would probably go for a silicone mould with glassfibre jacket as you get the support of the glass to hold the shape and ease of demoulding from the silicone.

[@jonnysz03]

@@easycompositestv You're a star! Many thanks for the advice, and like I said earlier, these vids are fantastic.

[@doktorscottdiabolical]

Excellent Step-By-Step video! Would callouts for average open times and cure times be appropriate to include in these videos? Or is the system too sensitive to environment temps and humidity for that?

[@easycompositestv]

Hi Scott, that’s a very good suggestion. Certainly these parameters are influenced a lot by things such as ambient temperature, size of mix etc., but they could be called out with ranges (I.e. 5-10mins). My only reservation would be to ensure they’re not too distracting but done right it could be useful. We’ll have a think!

[@doktorscottdiabolical]

@@easycompositestv Awesome! I've used polyester in July in Georgia (95 degrees, 100% humidity, 800 ft altitude) and in January in Colorado (8 degrees, 3% humidity, 5800 ft altitude). With batch sizes of 8 oz and the same catylization ratio, one had an open time of 3 minutes. The other needed 2 days and finally a heat gun just to cook off. I've also used a 4:1 epoxy that wasn't affected by the cold at all.

[@snorttroll4379]

how do you clean the brushes after ?

[@easycompositestv]

use acetone before the resin has hardened.

[@chucktilbury]

What is the approximate cost for the materials for the mould? (including consumables)

[@easycompositestv]

Hi Chuck, thank you for your comment. It really depends on the equipment you already have, but approximately £4-500 for a mould that size.

[@LesAventuresDeTigRRe]

Hi Do you know where I can find any good composite products in Switzerland? Your site is the greatest and your products look amazing, but the shipping cost would kill me